Sandwich Separator Container

ABSTRACT

A container for storing a sandwich comprising a plurality of individual compartments for storing sandwich items individually; wherein all the individual compartments of the container are joinable into a single container for ease of transportation. The individual compartments prevent the items of the sandwich from intermixing and affecting the taste, consistency, and integrity of each of the other elements. Included in the container are all utensils for preparing the sandwich. Individual compartments may be insulated and thus may be kept warmer or cooler than other compartments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Background of the Invention

The Sandwich has been a primary staple lunch for factory laborers, officer workers, and students for decades. There has long been the problem of the soggy sandwich which makes these meals less appealing. As soon as the sandwich is assembled, the ingredients begin interacting with each other. Breads begin to absorb the moisture from the vegetables and condiments losing its structure. Vegetables begin to wilt and lose their crispness. Meats and cheeses blend losing their distinct flavors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a sandwich separator container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a container lower element with an insertable heating and cooling element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an inner platform divider for a sandwich separator container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a sandwich separator container with sandwich ingredients in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Described herein is a sandwich container for transporting a sandwich in a disassembled state such that the sandwich can be assembled when one is ready to consume it. The goal of the container is to allow one to enjoy the “just made” sandwich taste which most find to be more desirable than that of a sandwich made hours in advance. The best was to achieve this goal is to keep each element of the sandwich separated until it is time to consume the sandwich, and assemble them then. This requires that various element of the sandwich which may interact have their own compartment, and the compartments be separated in such a way that cross contamination is prevented even if the container is upended or jostled between the time it is packed and when it is unpacked (i.e. wet element kept separated from dry elements).

Next it is necessary for the container to contain enough compartments for a relatively complex sandwich (i.e. dual condiment compartments, meat, cheese, vegetable and bread compartments), and that there is means for keeping such compartments relatively hotter or colder than the surrounding environment. There needs to be all elements necessary to assemble the sandwich when it is time for consumption (e.g. a knife/spoon). Finally, it must be within a single container to prevent loss or misplacement of any single item.

The container described herein has individual compartments and/or trays to separate each of the sandwich's major component categories. The components may comprise breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and/or condiments. Items which are of a liquid or semi-liquid state, such as condiments, are stored in a compartment with a liquid-proof seal. The container includes a utensil, such as a knife, spoon, or other blade for spreading the condiments on the bread when assembling the sandwich. The included utensil ensures one is available when it is time to assemble and enjoy the sandwich.

The container may contain heating and/or cooling pads for keeping meats warm and/or keeping vegetables cool. One skilled in the arts would appreciate that heating and cooling pads may be passive thermal reservoirs, active electrical components, chemical components, or other means of maintaining a desired temperature range above or below the environment surrounding the container. One skilled in the art would also understand that the temperature differences may be enhanced and/or retained for longer periods of time by the use of different materials for construction of the pads, compartments, or the use of additional insulation between the desired compartment and the others, or the outside environment.

Refering to FIG. 1 one sees an exploded view of a sandwich separator container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The sandwich separator container comprises a lid element (5), and lower element (10), and an inner platform or divider element (30). The lower element (10) has a heating/cooling insertable element (20) which is held in place with supports (25) between the two lower compartments.

The inner platform/divider element (30) sets inside the lower element (10) and rest just above the supports (25) at the center line (37). The bread tray (35) rest just above and seals the lower compartment. The inner platform element (30) has two condiment compartments (60) which are sealed with a lid (70). The two condiments compartments (60) are molded into the inner platform element (30), and extend down into the lower compartment such that they form a lid over the lower compartment. The inner platform element (30) also has a detachable condiment utensil (40). Finger notches (80) provide a way for the inner platform (30) to be lifted out of the lower element (10). Finally the container is covered with a lid (5) which seals the sandwich container.

FIG. 2 illustrates a container lower element with an insertable heating and cooling element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Visible are the container's lower element (10), the insertable element supports (25), and an insertable heating/cooling element (20). One skilled in the art would appreciate that other configurations could be utilized which allowed separate heating/cooling elements for each of the lower compartments and would still be encompassed by the disclosures of this application.

FIG. 3 shows an inner platform divider for a sandwich separator container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The inner platform (30) has a bread tray (35) molded into one side, which extend downward from the inner platform (30). The center line (37) is where the inner platform (30) is supported in the container's lower element (10), and rest just above the insertable heating/cooling element (20). In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of depressions are molded into one side of the inner platform to serve as condiment compartments (60) which are sealable by a lid (70). In an alternative embodiment there may be more than two condiment compartments (60), or the condiment compartments may be separate containers which could detachable from the inner support tray (30). There is a reusable condiment utensil (40) which is included with the container. A finger notch (80) provides a way to lift the inner platform (30)

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a sandwich separator container with sandwich ingredients in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Visible is the container's lower element (10) which has supports (25) which hold the heating/cooling element (20) between two compartments which are shown to hold meats (B) and vegetables (C). Just above the vegetables (C) is found a condiment container (60) holding a condiment (D) which is sealed with a lid (70) and includes a utensil (40) for spreading the condiment on the bread (A) which is stored in the bread compartment (35) located on one side of the inner platform (30). Finally the container (1) is closed with the lid (5).

The diagrams in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally some elements illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some element illustrated in the plurality could actually vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one form could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for storing a sandwich comprising: individual compartments for sandwich items.
 2. A container as described in claim 1 wherein the container is reusable.
 3. A container as described in claim 1 wherein all individual elements of the sandwich container are joinable into a single container.
 4. A container as described in claim 1 wherein a plurality of the individual compartments are sealable.
 5. A container as described in claim 1 wherein the individual compartments are at least five compartments.
 6. A container as described in claim 5 wherein at least two of the compartments are smaller condiment containers which are completely sealable by a reusable liquid-tight seal.
 7. A container as described in claim 1 wherein one or more of the individual compartments are heated compartments.
 8. A container as described in claim 8 wherein the heated compartments are insulated from non-heated compartments.
 9. A container as described in claim 8 wherein the heated compartments are heated by a chemical reaction means.
 10. A container as described in claim 8 wherein the heated compartments are heated by warming a heating portion prior to use in the container.
 11. A container as described in claim 8 wherein the heated compartments are maintained by conservation of initial heat.
 12. A container as described in claim 1 wherein one or more of the individual compartments are cooled compartments.
 13. A container as described in claim 12 wherein the cooled compartments are insulated from other compartments.
 14. A container as described in claim 12 wherein the cooled compartments are cooled by one or more ice packs.
 15. A container as described in claim 12 wherein the cooled compartments are cooled by conservation of lack of initial heat.
 16. A container as described in claim 1 further comprising one or more utensils for assembly of the sandwich
 17. A container as described in claim 16 wherein the utensils are attachable to the container.
 18. A container as described in claim 16 wherein the utensils are in a separate compartment inside of the container.
 19. A container for storing a sandwich comprising a plurality of individual compartments for storing sandwich items individually, wherein all the individual compartments of the container are joinable into a single container for ease of transportation.
 20. A method of transporting a sandwich which comprises: packaging each item of the sandwich in individual compartments of a single container and; assembling the sandwich near the time of consuming it for a fresher taste. 